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Cooling Capacity Formula:
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HVAC cooling capacity refers to the amount of heat an air conditioning system can remove from a space per hour, measured in tons. One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour, which represents the cooling power needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
The calculator uses the cooling capacity formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts the total cooling capacity from BTU per hour to tons, which is the standard unit used in the HVAC industry for sizing air conditioning systems.
Details: Proper cooling capacity calculation is essential for selecting the right size HVAC system. An undersized unit won't cool effectively, while an oversized unit will short-cycle, reducing efficiency and increasing wear.
Tips: Enter the total BTU per hour value. The value must be greater than 0. The calculator will automatically convert to tons and display the result.
Q1: What is the relationship between tons and BTU/h?
A: One ton of cooling equals 12,000 BTU per hour. This standard was established based on the amount of heat needed to melt one ton of ice in 24 hours.
Q2: How do I determine the BTU/h needed for my space?
A: BTU/h requirements depend on room size, insulation, windows, climate, and heat-generating appliances. Professional load calculations are recommended for accurate sizing.
Q3: What are common residential AC unit sizes?
A: Common residential units range from 1.5 to 5 tons (18,000 to 60,000 BTU/h), with 2-3 tons being typical for average-sized homes.
Q4: Why is proper sizing important?
A: Proper sizing ensures energy efficiency, comfort, humidity control, and system longevity. Oversized units cool too quickly without proper dehumidification.
Q5: Can I use this for commercial systems?
A: Yes, the conversion is the same, though commercial systems often use larger units measured in the same tons to BTU/h ratio.